HOMELESS IN MISSOURI: McKinney–Vento State Homeless Regulations and Head Start Provisions on Homelessness Peer to Peer: Homeless in Missouri WEBINAR January 15, 2009

INTRODUCTIONS Donna Cash, Supervisor State of MO Department of Elementary and Secondary Education PO Box 480 Jefferson City, MO Phone: Fax: DESE’s Website: Carolyn Stemmons, Assistant Director Missouri Head Start State Collaboration Office 1400 Rock Quarry Road Columbia, MO Phone: Fax:

Head Start Reauthorization President Bush Signs "Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007" Into Law December 12, 2007

Head Start Reauthorization: Definition of Homelessness Head Start reauthorization includes a definition of homelessness that matches the definition of homelessness in the education subtitle of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, which governs public schools

Head Start Reauthorization: Eligibility for Homeless Children Homeless children are categorically eligible for Head Start [42 U.S.C. 9840(a)(1)(B)] Implies that verification of homeless living situation suffices Under McKinney-Vento, determinations of eligibility are case-by-case, individualized

Head Start Reauthorization: Eligibility for Homeless Children Head Start programs can continue to serve 10% of their enrollment with children over the poverty line. Head Start programs may serve an additional 35% with children from families with incomes between 100% to 130% of poverty. However, in order to exercise this option, Head Start programs must demonstrate that they are doing outreach to, prioritizing, and meeting the needs of children who are homeless and children from families with incomes below poverty. [42 U.S.C. 9840(a)(1)(B)]

Head Start Reauthorization: Enrollment of Homeless Children Requires Secretary to issue regulations to remove barriers to the enrollment and participation of homeless children, including requiring Head Start agencies: 1) to implement policies and procedures to ensure that homeless children are identified and prioritized for enrollment;

Head Start Reauthorization: Enrollment of Homeless Children 2) to allow families of homeless children to apply to, enroll in, and attend Head Start programs while required documents are obtained within a reasonable time frame; and 3) to coordinate individual Head Start programs with efforts to implement subtitle B of title VII of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.S et seq.) 42 U.S.C. 9835(m)

Identification Strategies Add a question about living situation to Head Start application Recruit and provide outreach materials at shelters, motels, and other temporary living locations Collaborate with homeless service providers to assist with referrals

Head Start Reauthorization: Collaboration and Coordination Requires Head Start agencies to coordinate and collaborate with the agencies responsible for programs under Subtitle VII-B of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act - 42 U.S.C. 9837(e) Requires each Head Start program to establish channels of communication between Head Start staff and McKinney-Vento liaisons to facilitate coordination of programs - 42 U.S.C. 9837a(a) Requires Head Start programs to develop and implement a family outreach and support program in coordination with outreach efforts under the McKinney-Vento Act - 42 U.S.C. 9837a(a)

Head Start Reauthorization: Collaboration and Coordination Requires Head Start State Collaboration Directors to develop a strategic plan that will enhance collaboration and coordination with and services provided for homeless children, children in foster care, and children referred to Head Start programs by child welfare agencies, including agencies and State officials responsible for such services - 42 U.S.C. 9837b(a)(4) Requires Early Head Start programs to coordinate services with programs in the community for homeless infants and toddlers - 42 U.S.C. 9840a(b)(5)

Children who are homeless face challenges such as: Inadequate and/or unstable housing Health and mental health issues Inconsistent and inadequate health care Inadequate nutrition Disrupted or limited family support Emotional stress or depression Mobility

Barriers to Early Care and Education Program enrollment requirements Lack of available slots and/or programs due to insufficient funding Waiting lists Lack of transportation Lack of awareness and/or a misunderstanding of homelessness

Overview of McKinney-Vento Reauthorized 2002 by NCLB Main themes: –School stability –School access –Support for academic success –Child-centered

The McKinney-Vento Act Applies to preschool programs operated by LEAs and SEAs Liaisons must ensure that families and children receive Head Start, Even Start, and preschool programs State Coordinators must coordinate with social services agencies, child development and preschool program personnel and other agencies to provide comprehensive services to preschoolers

Causes of Homelessness –Lack of affordable housing –Deep poverty –Health problems –Domestic violence –Natural and other disasters –Abuse/neglect (unaccompanied youth) Homelessness results from a complex set of circumstances that require people to choose between food, shelter, and other basic needs

Homeless Definition Individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence Sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reason. Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, camping grounds due to lack of adequate alternative accommodations. Living in emergency or transitional shelters. Abandoned

Homeless Definition Awaiting foster care placement Living in a public or private place not designed for humans to live Living in cars, parks, abandoned buildings, bus or train stations, etc. Migratory children living in above circumstances

Homeless Coordinator Each district in Missouri must designated a local homeless liaison –Assist with immediate enrollment –Make school placement decisions –Handle enrollment disputes –Prohibit the segregation of homeless children and youth –Provide/arrange transportation & inform of transportation services –Inform about educational opportunities available –Disseminate public notice of rights

School Stability—Key Provisions Children and youth experiencing homelessness can stay in their school of origin or enroll in any public school that students living in the same attendance area are eligible to attend, according to their best interest –School of origin—school attended when permanently housed or in which last enrolled –School of best interest—keep homeless students in their schools of origin, to the extent feasible, unless this is against the parents’ or guardians’ wishes

Feasibility—USDE Sample Criteria Continuity of instruction Age of the child or youth Safety of the child or youth Length of stay at the shelter Likely area where family will find permanent housing Student’s need for special instructional programs Impact of commute on education School placement of siblings Time remaining in the school year

School Selection Students can stay in their school of origin the entire time they are homeless and until the end of any academic year in which they move into permanent housing If a student becomes homeless in between academic years, he/she may continue in the school of origin for the following academic year If a student is sent to a school other than that requested by a parent or guardian, the district must provide a written explanation to the parent or guardian of its decision and the right to appeal

Enrollment Children and youth in homeless situations can stay in their school of origin (to the extent feasible) or enroll in any public school that students living in the same attendance area are eligible to attend The terms “enroll” and “enrollment” include attending classes and participating fully in school activities

Enrollment Children and youth have the right to enroll in school immediately, even if they do not have required documents, such as: –school records, medical records, proof of residency, or other documents If a student does not have immunizations, or immunization or medical records, the liaison must immediately assist in obtaining them –the student must be enrolled in the interim Missouri has set a time frame for immunizations

Enrollment Enrolling schools must obtain school records from the previous school, students must be enrolled in school while records are obtained Schools must maintain records for students who are homeless so they are available quickly Federal law supersedes state and local laws where there is a conflict » U.S. Constitution, Article VI SEAs and LEAs must develop, review, and revise policies to remove barriers to the enrollment and retention of children and youth in homeless situations

Collaboration Strategies Partner with School District Homeless Liaisons and Special Education Directors Provide professional development to local school districts Identify available slots for children experiencing homelessness, and/or prioritize these children on waiting lists Work with others to establish policies and procedures for situations in which McKinney-Vento and their programs interact with yours

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Donna Cash Supervisor State of Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education PO Box 480 Jefferson City, MO Phone: Fax: Carolyn Stemmons Assistant Director Missouri Head Start State Collaboration Office 1400 Rock Quarry Road Columbia, MO Phone: Fax: